AHS Seniors, Parents and Staff:  

I hope this email finds both you and your families doing well.  Originally, we were hopeful that a plan to re-open larger gatherings at some point later in the summer would still be a possibility.  This is why we decided to postpone the AHS Graduation on May 22 and move it to a later date.  However, based on Governor Pritzker's latest release of the five-phase plan to re-open Illinois, it does not appear we will be able to host the type of graduation ceremony we really hoped to have, even in smaller sessions.  Therefore, we are moving forward with an alternate plan and format to honor the Class of 2020 with several celebrations.  The following provides a schedule of the events for the AHS Class of 2020.  Please keep in mind that we will provide additional and specific details on each of the following events for your planning purposes.  This initial email is only intended as a "Save the Date" for these important events.

Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 p.m. - Senior Awards and Scholarships - Virtual Presentation (this can be viewed on the district website or Facebook)

Friday, May 22 - 7:00 p.m. - Graduate Parade at the Alton Amphitheater - This would have been the original night of graduation and we still want to celebrate with our seniors.  Through the assistance of the Alton Police Department, graduates and their parent(s) can participate in a car parade that will take place at the Alton Amphitheater and adjacent riverfront area.  Community members, friends, teachers and others will park in the amphitheater are (remaining in cars and exercising social distancing) to cheer our graduates on as they drive by in "parade style" from 7:00 to 7:30.  All participants must remain in their cars and a parent/guardian must drive the student (this allows students to safely enjoy the moment and the parade attendees).  Additional details on staging, parade route and other information will be provided in a separate communication.  This should be a fun and unique community-wide celebration for our graduates!

Tuesday, May 26 thru Thursday, May 28 from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. -Senior Stage Walk, Diploma Distribution and Photos - Seniors will sign up for a time slot on their assigned day (by alphabet).  Students will come to Alton High School in their cap and gown, exit the car, walk the stage and receive their diploma.  A professional photographer will take photos and each senior will receive a commemorative photo. The student's immediate family may also join them in the car (one car per student).  Information on signing up for a day/time and guidelines for participation will be provided in a separate communication.  

Friday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. - Virtual Graduation Ceremony - Our graduation ceremony will be conducted virtually (students and families do not attend in person) and can be viewed in several formats. The program will include student recognition, class speeches, honored traditions and photo/name recognition for each graduate as a part of the event.  Additional information on this commencement ceremony will also be provided in a separate communication.

Thank you for taking the time to make note of these very important dates.  While we are disappointed that we will not get to celebrate graduation together as an entire class, we are excited about these upcoming events in honoring the Class of 2020. 

Thank you!

Michael Bellm

Principal